We are switching from group to individual health insurance due to a change in my husbands job. We are also currently trying to concieve. How do I deal with the 12 month waiting period that insurance companies require before covering maternity care?
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Anonymous
ANSWERS: 3
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Continue your group medical via COBRA payments. This is one situation that is not considered pre-existing once you get your individual policy in force. If it were me, I would rather stay with the same doctor all the way through the delivery. You can continue COBRA payments on your group policy, it can be effective for up to 18 months after the original job stops payments on the group policy.
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Depending on the state you live in they may have a state continuation plan. I live in Ga and we can continue our group health coverage for up to 3 months. I do not know what carrier you are applying with, but I know if you are approved Aetna does not have any pre existing clauses in some of their individual plans. According to the HIPPA laws a pre exisiting exclusion can not be applied to pregnancy.
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You may want to make sure that pregnancy and/or maternity care are in the pre-existing clause. COBRA is an option, and depending on your state, you may be able to have cobra for 18 months. Also, since you mentioned a change in your husband's job, you may want to check into the medical assistance office in your area. Income guidelines are usually much higher for pregnancy and you may qualify for that as a secondary insurer for the pregnancy.. This may help with copay's and co'insurance you may be experiencing during the pregnancy. Good luck,
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